Xiao Yan didn't have to wait long. On the fifth day, Yao Lao's still body suddenly trembled, and a majestic aura surged forth from within—like a sleeping dragon awakening. The power it radiated far exceeded Xiao Yan's expectations, prompting him to instinctively take several steps back.
"Peak Nine-Star Dou Zun..." Xiao Yan exhaled slowly, his eyes narrowing. This level was practically the ceiling of the Dou Zun realm—just a single step away from reaching the Half-Saint class. Though that final step had stopped countless geniuses in their tracks, one couldn't forget—Yao Lao had just been revived and hadn't yet fully recovered his power. Once he stabilized and cultivated in seclusion for a while, that leap into the Half-Saint realm might no longer be out of reach. In fact, the vague aura Yao Lao currently gave off suggested he was already brushing against that threshold.
"So I've finally come back to life…" Yao Lao murmured, sensing the familiar strength flowing within. He looked at the somewhat fatigued Xiao Yan with warmth in his eyes and offered a gentle smile. "Little fellow, I really have to thank you this time."
"There's no need for words like that between us." Xiao Yan shook his head with a smile and retrieved a jade bottle from his storage ring. Yao Lao's expression shifted slightly the moment he saw it. With his keen senses, he could immediately identify the soul sealed inside. It was all too familiar—so much so that even his usually calm heart rippled with emotion.
"This is...?"
"Teacher, this is Han Feng's soul," Xiao Yan said solemnly. "I found him in the Black-Corner Region and uncovered the truth of the past. So, I killed him. I thought it only right that you be the one to handle the rest."
Taking the jade bottle from Xiao Yan's hand, Yao Lao's expression turned melancholic. He was clearly recalling the sorrowful memories of once treating Han Feng like his own son, only to be betrayed in the end. Xiao Yan said nothing, quietly allowing his teacher to process the moment, understanding the pain from experience.
After a long silence, Yao Lao finally sighed deeply, burying the bitterness in his heart. When he looked up again, he wore that same gentle smile as before. Heaven may have blinded him once, but in exchange, it had granted him a once-in-a-lifetime disciple. Looking at Xiao Yan, he asked, "Little fellow, you've reached Nine-Star Dou Zong by now, haven't you?"
Xiao Yan nodded lightly. With Yao Lao's current strength, it was no surprise that he could sense Xiao Yan's true cultivation level without difficulty.
"To have reached such a level at your age—aside from those monstrous prodigies from ancient times—I doubt there's anyone in today's world who can match your talent. However, even with such aptitude, staying here in the northwestern region will greatly limit your future accomplishments."
"Teacher, you mean…"
"I suggest you go to Central Plains to temper yourself." Yao Lao smiled. "That's the heart of the continent, filled with far more resources and opportunities than the Jia Ma Empire or Black-Corner Region. With your aptitude, you'll flourish there."
"I've been planning to go," Xiao Yan nodded. "I've just had some unfinished business to take care of. For instance, Xiao Yixian's Woeful Poison Body still hasn't been resolved—I can't leave with peace of mind until that's done."
"And you, teacher? Will you return to Central Plains after this?"
"Of course. With your current power, you can already do as you please in the Black-Corner Region. And now that you're capable of refining eighth-tier pills, you've probably mastered most of what I had to teach you. There's not much else I can offer." Yao Lao glanced at the black ring on Xiao Yan's finger and smiled. "With your talent, it won't be long before you surpass even me."
He paused, then added, "I still have some unresolved matters to deal with in Central Plains. I also established a faction there called 'Starfall Pavilion.' If you're heading there eventually, you'll need a force to support you. I'll help manage things so that when you arrive, you won't be alone in the lion's den." His gaze deepened. "Besides, you're keeping a lot of secrets, little fellow. If I were constantly by your side, I doubt you'd be too happy."
Xiao Yan chuckled, scratching his head without protest. Yao Lao wasn't a fool—he had likely noticed the times Xiao Yan had intentionally hidden things, but chose not to pry.
"With your current strength, I suppose it's time you 'graduated.' As per custom, I should give you a parting gift." Yao Lao glanced at the black magic cauldron but quickly dismissed the thought. "You already have two Heaven-tier cauldrons, so the Black Demon Cauldron wouldn't be much use. Instead, I'll give you this."
With a flick of his hand, a pale-white flame surged forth—it was none other than the Bone Spirit Cold Flame.
"This flame ranks eleventh on the Heavenly Flame list—stronger than all the ones you currently possess. If you can refine it, it'll bring you tremendous benefits." As he spoke, Yao Lao gently tapped the flame, wiping away his own soul imprint.
Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected his teacher to be so decisive—to give away a Heavenly Flame that had accompanied him for years without even waiting for Xiao Yan's approval. It would surely impact Yao Lao's own strength. But the act was so genuine that Xiao Yan, who had initially intended to treat this as a mutually beneficial exchange, suddenly felt an unfamiliar surge of emotion.
"Take it, little fellow," Yao Lao said with a faintly pale expression, placing the flame before Xiao Yan. "First, plant your soul imprint into it and nurture it for a while. Once it stops resisting, use Flame Mantra to refine and absorb it. Otherwise, you may suffer a backlash."
At his teacher's urging, Xiao Yan could only smile wryly as he planted his soul imprint into the Bone Spirit Cold Flame. The flame shimmered and then turned into a white streak, merging into his forehead, where a white flame sigil slowly appeared.
Seeing this, Yao Lao nodded in satisfaction. "Once I return to Central Plains, I'll find a way to construct a spatial wormhole connecting to this region. I'll also give you a wormhole scroll. In a year or two, tear it open, and you'll be able to travel to Central Plains directly from here."
"Alright." Xiao Yan nodded. He had no intention of turning down the offer. While there were other ways to reach Central Plains, having a shortcut was always preferable.
(End of Chapter)
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